Cooking apparatus and method for controlling cooking apparatus

Abstract

A cooking apparatus according to the present disclosure is a cooking apparatus including: multiple cooking zones; and multiple heating elements corresponding to the multiple cooking zones. The cooking apparatus may include: a user interface device; a memory for storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor connected to the user interface device and the memory. The at least one processor may execute the at least one instruction to: provide a recipe search interface through the user interface device; receive a recipe selection command for selecting a recipe included in the recipe search interface through the user interface device; and determine, through the user interface device, a target cooking zone for cooking the ingredient from among the multiple cooking zones in response to receiving a cooking start command for starting cooking of ingredients included in the selected recipe.

Description

Cooking appliances and methods for controlling cooking appliances

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooking appliance and a control method for the cooking appliance that can conveniently cook ingredients included in a recipe.

[0002] A cooking appliance is a device that cooks food in a cooking container, including a plate having a plurality of cooking zones on which cooking containers are placed, and a heating element that heats the cooking containers placed in the cooking zones.

[0003] Cooking appliances are devices used to heat food for cooking. They can generally be categorized as electric or gas based on the type of heating element. Gas ranges use the heat generated by burning gas as their heat source. Highlighters use the heat generated by electric heaters as their heat source. Induction heating devices utilize the principle of induction heating to heat cooking utensils.

[0004] Induction heating devices may include an induction heating coil, which generates a magnetic field when current is applied as a heating element. Since these devices utilize the cooking vessel itself as a heat source, they offer advantages over gas ranges or kerosene stoves, which burn fossil fuels to heat the cooking vessel. They also offer higher heat transfer rates, no harmful gases, and no risk of fire.

[0005] Recently, convenience in cooking activities has been provided by providing users with various services needed in the kitchen (e.g. recipe information).

[0006] The present disclosure provides a cooking appliance capable of automatically cooking ingredients according to a recipe selected by a user and a method for controlling the cooking appliance.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a cooking appliance capable of cooking ingredients according to a recipe in a cooking zone selected by a user and a method of controlling the cooking appliance.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a cooking appliance and a method for controlling the cooking appliance that can maximize convenience when cooking using a recipe.

[0009] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance includes a plurality of cooking zones and a plurality of heating elements corresponding to the plurality of cooking zones, the cooking appliance comprising: a user interface device; a memory storing at least one command; and at least one processor connected to the user interface device and the memory, wherein the at least one processor executes the at least one command to provide a recipe search interface through the user interface device, receive a recipe selection command for selecting a recipe included in the recipe search interface through the user interface device, determine a target cooking zone for cooking an ingredient among the plurality of cooking zones in response to receiving a cooking start command for starting cooking an ingredient included in the selected recipe through the user interface device, provide a control interface for visually displaying the plurality of cooking zones through the user interface device, but displaying the target cooking zone so as to be distinguished from the remaining cooking zones, and control a target heating element corresponding to the target cooking zone among the plurality of heating elements based on a control parameter for cooking the ingredient according to the recipe.

[0011] A control method of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: providing a recipe search interface; receiving a recipe selection command for selecting a recipe included in the recipe search interface; determining a target cooking zone for cooking an ingredient among the plurality of cooking zones in response to receiving a cooking start command for starting cooking of an ingredient included in the selected recipe; providing a control interface for visually displaying the plurality of cooking zones, but displaying the target cooking zone so as to be distinguished from the remaining cooking zones; and controlling a target heating element corresponding to the target cooking zone among the plurality of heating elements based on a control parameter for cooking the ingredient according to the recipe.

[0012] Figure 1 is an external view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a cooking appliance according to one embodiment heating a cooking vessel.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 illustrate examples of recipe search interfaces provided by a user interface device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of guide information provided by a user interface device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates another example of guide information provided by a user interface device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a control interface provided by a user interface device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a status interface provided by a user interface device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of guide information that guides user actions provided by a user interface device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 15 illustrates another example of guide information guiding user actions provided by a user interface device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a cooking completion notification provided by a user interface device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a control interface provided by a user interface device when a warming process is in progress in a target cooking zone of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a control interface provided by a user interface device when a cooking operation of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment is completed.

[0026] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a control interface provided by a user interface device when cooking is in progress in multiple cooking zones of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0027] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification at the time of filing of this application.

[0028] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosed invention.

[0029] For example, in this specification, a singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0030] Additionally, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to express the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude the possibility of the additional presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0031] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0032] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0033] Meanwhile, the terms "front", "back", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawing, but the shape and position of each component are not limited by the above terms. For example, the front side may be defined as the +X side, and the rear side may be defined as the -X side. For example, based on the drawing, the right side may be defined as the +Y side, and the left side may be defined as the -Y side. For example, based on the drawing, the upper side may be defined as the +Z side, and the lower side may be defined as the -Z side.

[0034] Additionally, terms that include ordinal numbers, such as “first,” “second,” etc., are used to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit one component.

[0035] Additionally, terms such as "~part", "~device", "~block", "~absence", and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one piece of hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) / ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one piece of software stored in memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

[0036] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosed invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The same reference numbers or symbols used in the attached drawings may represent parts or components that perform substantially the same functions.

[0037] The operating principle and embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0038] Fig. 1 is an external view of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 illustrates a cooking appliance according to one embodiment heating a cooking container.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment may include a plate (101) provided on an upper portion of a main body (102), a plurality of cooking zones (100) formed on the plate (101), and a user interface device (120).

[0040] For example, the plate (101) can be made of ceramic.

[0041] The plurality of cooking zones (100) may include a first cooking zone (111), a second cooking zone (112), a third cooking zone (113), and a fourth cooking zone (114) as illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the number of the plurality of cooking zones (100) is not limited thereto.

[0042] According to various embodiments, depending on the number of heating elements (200), all locations on the plate (101) may operate as cooking zones. However, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed below that the plate (101) includes a plurality of cooking zones (100) and the cooking appliance (1) includes a heating element (200) corresponding to each of the plurality of cooking zones (100).

[0043] The cooking zone (100) indicates the location where the cooking vessel is placed, and the plate (101) may include a visual indication for distinguishing the plurality of cooking zones (100). For example, the visual indication for distinguishing the plurality of cooking zones (100) may include a circular shape or a straight boundary line.

[0044] However, the shapes described above are merely examples of shapes for indicating a cooking zone (100), and even if they are not circular or straight, they can be applied to embodiments of visual displays for distinguishing multiple cooking zones (100) as long as they can guide the user to the location of the cooking zone (100).

[0045] A user interface device (120) may be provided in one area of ​​the plate (101).

[0046] The user interface device (120) is an input / output device and may include a display and an input device. The display may include a display device such as an LCD or LED, and the input device may include at least one of various input devices such as a touch pad, buttons, or a jog shuttle. Alternatively, the display and the input device may implement a touch screen.

[0047] In one embodiment, the user interface device (120) may include a touch screen display.

[0048] In the present example, a case in which a user interface device (120) is provided at a location spaced apart from the cooking zones (111, 112, 113, 114) on the plate (101) is exemplified. However, the arrangement of FIG. 1 is merely an example applicable to the cooking appliance (1), and it is also possible for the user interface device (120) to be provided at a location other than the plate (101), such as the front of the cooking appliance (1).

[0049] A heating element (200) used to heat a container (C) placed on the plate (101) may be placed at the bottom of the plate (101). In Fig. 2, only one heating element (200) is illustrated for convenience of explanation, but the number of heating elements (200) may correspond to the number of cooking zones (100).

[0050] According to various embodiments, if the cooking appliance (1) corresponds to a gas-type cooking appliance, the heating element (200) may be a burner, and if the cooking appliance (1) corresponds to an electric heater-type cooking appliance, the heating element (200) may be an electric heater.

[0051] However, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed below that the heating element (200) of the cooking appliance (1) is a heating coil.

[0052] In the case where there are four cooking zones (111, 112, 113, 114) as in the example of Fig. 1, four heating elements (200) may also be provided, and each heating element (200) may be arranged under each cooking zone (111, 112, 113, 114). According to various embodiments, the number of heating elements (200) arranged under each cooking zone (111, 112, 113, 114) is not limited.

[0053] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance may include a plurality of heating elements corresponding to a plurality of cooking zones. For example, the cooking appliance (1) may include a first heating element corresponding to a first cooking zone (111), a second heating element corresponding to a second cooking zone (1112), a third heating element corresponding to a third cooking zone (113), and a fourth heating element corresponding to a fourth cooking zone (114).

[0054] According to various embodiments, a plurality of heating elements (200) may be arranged on the lower portion of the plate (101) regardless of the cooking zone (100), in which case the cooking appliance (1) can recognize the portion on the plate (101) where the cooking vessel (C) is placed as the cooking zone. Furthermore, in this case, the cooking appliance (1) can identify the heating element (200) corresponding to the cooking zone (100) among the plurality of heating elements (200).

[0055] The heating element (200) can be connected to a coil driving circuit and can receive high-frequency current from the coil driving circuit. For example, the frequency of the high-frequency current can be 20 kHz to 35 kHz.

[0056] When a high-frequency current is supplied to the heating element (200), magnetic lines of force (ML) can be formed in the heating element (200). When a container (C) having resistance is positioned within the range of the magnetic lines of force (ML), the magnetic lines of force (ML) around the heating element (200) pass through the bottom of the container (C) and generate an eddy current, i.e., an eddy current (EC), in the form of an eddy current according to the law of electromagnetic induction.

[0057] Heat can be generated in the container (C) by the interaction of these eddy currents (EC) and the electrical resistance of the container (C), and the food inside the container (C) can be heated by the generated heat.

[0058] In a cooking appliance (1) like this, since the container (C) itself acts as a heat source, a metal having a certain level of resistance, such as iron, stainless steel, or nickel, can be used as the material of the container (C).

[0059] The control parameters of the heating element (200) may include heating operation time and heating intensity.

[0060] The heating intensity may include the intensity and / or frequency of the current applied to the heating element (200).

[0061] The heating operation time may include the time during which current is applied to the heating element (200).

[0062] In the present disclosure, controlling the heating element (200) may include controlling a coil driving circuit connected to the heating element (200).

[0063] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment may include a user interface device (120), a container detection sensor (125), a communication interface (130), a control unit (140), and / or a plurality of heating elements (200).

[0065] The user interface device (120) can enable interaction between the user and the cooking appliance (1).

[0066] The user interface device (120) may include an output interface (122) and an input interface (121).

[0067] At least one output interface (122) can transmit various information related to the operation of the cooking appliance (1) to the user by generating sensory information.

[0068] For example, at least one output interface (122) can transmit information related to the settings of the cooking appliance (1) and the operating time of the cooking appliance (1) to the user. Information related to the operation of the cooking appliance (1) can be output through a display, an indicator, and / or a voice. The at least one output interface (122) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an indicator, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0069] In one embodiment, at least one output interface (122) can output sensory information (e.g., visual information, auditory information, etc.) related to the control of the cooking appliance (1).

[0070] At least one input interface (121) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0071] If the user interface device (120) includes a touch screen display, the touch screen display may be an example of an output interface (122) and an input interface (121).

[0072] At least one input interface (121) may include a power button for turning on the cooking appliance (1).

[0073] Each button may include a visual indicator (e.g., text, an icon, etc.) that indicates its function.

[0074] At least one input interface (121) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0075] In the present disclosure, 'button' may be replaced with a UI element (User Interface Element), a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0076] The power button is a button to turn the power of the cooking appliance (1) on or off.

[0077] When the power of the cooking device (1) is turned on via the power button, the output interface (122) may be activated. When the power of the cooking device (1) is turned off via the power button, the output interface (122) may be deactivated.

[0078] For example, if the user interface device (120) includes a touch screen display, the touch screen display may be turned on when the cooking appliance (1) is turned on via the power button. The touch screen display may be turned off when the cooking appliance (1) is turned off via the power button.

[0079] The cooking appliance (1) can process user input received through the user interface device (120) and output information related to the cooking appliance (1) through the user interface device (120).

[0080] Information related to the cooking appliance (1) may include an interface for controlling the operation of the cooking appliance (1).

[0081] In the present disclosure, an interface for controlling the operation of the cooking appliance (1) may also be referred to as a control interface.

[0082] The cooking appliance (1) can control the operation of the cooking appliance (1) based on user input received through the user interface device (120).

[0083] The container detection sensor (125) can sense a cooking container placed in the cooking zone (100).

[0084] Sensing a cooking vessel placed in a cooking zone (100) may include detecting whether a cooking vessel is placed in the cooking zone (100).

[0085] According to various embodiments, sensing a cooking vessel placed in a cooking zone (100) may include identifying a heating element (200) corresponding to a cooking vessel placed on a plate (101).

[0086] The container detection sensor (125) may include a current sensor included in a coil driving circuit for driving a heating element (200).

[0087] The control unit (140) can perform a container detection operation to detect whether a cooking container is placed in the cooking zone (100) by applying a test current to the heating element (200).

[0088] The container detection sensor (125) may include a capacitance sensor that detects a change in capacitance that changes as a cooking container is placed on the plate (101).

[0089] The control unit (140) can identify that a cooking vessel is placed on the plate (101) based on the change value of the electrostatic capacitance detected by the electrostatic capacitance sensor. Furthermore, the control unit (140) can identify a cooking zone (111, 112, 113, 114) in which a cooking vessel is placed among a plurality of cooking zones (100) based on the change value of the electrostatic capacitance detected by the electrostatic capacitance sensor.

[0090] The cooking appliance (1) may include a communication interface (130) for communicating with an external device (e.g., a server, a user device) via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0091] The communication interface (130) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0092] The communication interface (130) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, a temperature probe), or receive data from an external device. To this end, the communication interface (130) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication interface (130) can include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network or a wide area network)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0093] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0094] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0095] In one embodiment, the communication interface (130) can communicate with an external device via a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the cooking device (1) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The cooking device (1) can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0096] The cooking appliance (1) can receive recipe information from an external device through a communication interface (130).

[0097] The cooking appliance (1) can receive information on the deep temperature of the material from a temperature probe through a communication interface (130).

[0098] The control unit (140) can process user input received from the input interface (121).

[0099] The control unit (140) can process data collected from various sensors (e.g., container detection sensor (125)).

[0100] The control unit (140) can control various components of the cooking appliance (1) (e.g., user interface device (120), communication interface (130), multiple heating elements (200)).

[0101] Controlling the user interface device (120) by the control unit (140) may include providing an interface through the user interface device (120).

[0102] Providing an interface via a user interface device (120) may include having a display of the user interface device (120) visually output the interface.

[0103] Controlling the user interface device (120) by the control unit (140) may include changing the interface provided through the user interface device (120) based on a user command received through the user interface device (120) or controlling the operation of the cooking appliance (1).

[0104] Controlling the plurality of heating elements (200) by the control unit (140) may include controlling the operating intensity and / or operating time of the plurality of heating elements (200).

[0105] The control unit (140) performing cooking in the cooking zone (100) may include the control unit (140) controlling the heating element (200) corresponding to the cooking zone (100).

[0106] The control unit (140) may include at least one processor (141) that controls the operation of the cooking appliance (1) and at least one memory (142) that stores a program and data for controlling the operation of the cooking appliance (1).

[0107] At least one memory (142) can store data required for various embodiments. The memory (142) may be implemented in the form of a memory embedded in the cooking appliance (1) or in the form of a memory that can be attached or detached from the cooking appliance (1) depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the cooking appliance (1) may be stored in a memory embedded in the cooking appliance (1), and data for expanding functions of the cooking appliance (1) may be stored in a memory that can be attached or detached from the cooking appliance (1). Meanwhile, in the case of memory embedded in the cooking appliance (1), it may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD). In addition, in the case of memory that can be detachably attached to the cooking appliance (1), it may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card)), external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc.

[0108] At least one processor (141) controls the overall operation of the cooking appliance (1). Specifically, at least one processor (141) is connected to each component of the cooking appliance (1) and can control the overall operation of the cooking appliance (1). For example, at least one processor (141) is electrically connected to a memory (142) and can control the overall operation of the cooking appliance (1). The processor (141) may be composed of one or more processors.

[0109] At least one memory (142) may store an algorithm for controlling the user interface device (120) and processing user input entered through the user interface device (120).

[0110] For example, at least one memory (142) may store algorithms for providing various interfaces via the user interface device (120).

[0111] In one embodiment, at least one memory (142) can store recipe information for ingredients that can be cooked by the cooking appliance (1).

[0112] At least one processor (141) can perform operations of a cooking appliance (1) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in a memory (142).

[0113] At least one processor (141) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), an MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. At least one processor (141) may control one or any combination of other components of the cooking appliance (1), and may perform operations or data processing related to communication. At least one processor (141) may execute at least one program or instruction stored in the memory (142). For example, at least one processor (141) may execute at least one instruction stored in the memory (142), thereby performing a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] A plurality of heating elements (200) may correspond to a plurality of cooking zones (100). The heating elements (200) corresponding to the cooking zones (100) may include the heating elements (200) being arranged at the lower side of the cooking zone (100).

[0115] For example, the cooking appliance (1) may include a first heating element (201) corresponding to a first cooking zone (111), a second heating element (202) corresponding to a second cooking zone (112), a third heating element (203) corresponding to a third cooking zone (113), and a fourth heating element (204) corresponding to a fourth cooking zone (114).

[0116] The control unit (140) can perform cooking in each cooking zone by controlling a plurality of heating elements (200).

[0117] For example, the control unit (140) can control the first heating element (201) to heat a cooking vessel placed in the first cooking zone (111).

[0118] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 4, a method for controlling a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment may include an operation (1100) of providing a recipe search interface.

[0120] In response to the power of the cooking appliance (1) being turned on, the user interface device (120) may display an initial screen. The initial screen may also be referred to as an initial interface in that it provides the user with user interface elements that allow the user to select various functions.

[0121] The initial screen may include various interface elements, such as a control interface element for executing a control interface for controlling multiple cooking zones, a recipe interface element for executing a recipe search interface, etc.

[0122] The cooking appliance (1) can provide a control interface in response to a control interface element being selected to execute the control interface.

[0123] The control unit (140) can control the user interface device (120) to provide a control interface in response to a control interface element being selected to execute the control interface.

[0124] The cooking appliance (1) can provide a recipe search interface in response to a selection of a recipe interface element for executing the recipe search interface.

[0125] The control unit (140) can control the user interface device (120) to provide a recipe search interface in response to a recipe interface element being selected to execute the recipe search interface.

[0126] Providing an interface in the present disclosure may include outputting the interface via a user interface device (120).

[0127] A method for controlling a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment may include an operation (1200) of receiving a cooking start command.

[0128] FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 illustrate examples of recipe search interfaces provided by a user interface device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, various examples of recipe search interfaces can be seen. Recipes utilized in the recipe search interface may be received from an external device via a communication interface (130) or may be pre-stored in memory (142).

[0130] For example, the recipe search interface is for searching recipes of dishes that can be made using the cooking appliance (1), and may include an interface for selecting a recipe (U10), an interface for describing the selected recipe (U11), an interface for describing the ingredients included in the selected recipe (U12), and / or an interface for guiding the cooking steps of the recipe (U13, U14).

[0131] The interface for selecting a recipe (U10) may include various interface elements for searching recipes.

[0132] The control unit (140) can receive a recipe selection command for selecting a recipe included in the recipe search interface through the user interface device (120).

[0133] Users can select a recipe by manipulating various interface elements to search for a recipe.

[0134] A recipe can be selected via an interface for selecting a recipe (U10).

[0135] In one embodiment, when a user selects a recipe and presses the 'Confirm' button, the user interface device (120) may provide an interface (U11) for describing the selected recipe.

[0136] The control unit (140) can control the user interface device (120) to provide an interface (U11) for describing the selected recipe in response to receiving a recipe selection command.

[0137] An interface (U11) for describing a recipe may include information about the name of the recipe, the type of cooking appliance (1) used in the recipe, the preparation time of the recipe, the cooking time of the recipe, and / or the steps of the recipe.

[0138] The name of a recipe may include the name of the dish completed by the recipe and / or the names of the ingredients included in the recipe.

[0139] The preparation time of a recipe may include the time required to prepare the ingredients included in the recipe.

[0140] The cooking time of a recipe may include the time required to cook the ingredients included in the recipe using a cooking appliance (1).

[0141] The steps of a recipe may include the order of the recipe.

[0142] In one embodiment, when a user inputs a command to proceed to the next step after reviewing information related to a recipe, the user interface device (120) may provide an interface (U12) for describing the ingredients included in the selected recipe.

[0143] An interface (U12) for describing ingredients included in a recipe may include information about the types of ingredients included in the selected recipe and the amount of each ingredient.

[0144] In one embodiment, an interface (U12) for describing ingredients included in a recipe may include an interface element (U12a) for adjusting the serving size of the dish.

[0145] When the serving size is adjusted through the interface element (U12a) for adjusting the serving size of the dish, the amount of ingredients included in the recipe can be automatically adjusted.

[0146] From this perspective, the interface element (U12a) for controlling the serving size of a dish may also be referred to as an interface element for controlling the amount of ingredients.

[0147] The user can select the desired number of servings of a dish through an interface element (U12a) for controlling the number of servings of the dish.

[0148] According to the present disclosure, a cooking device (1) and a control method of the cooking device (1) are provided, which enable the user to adjust the portion size of a recipe, thereby allowing the user to recognize a more accurate amount of ingredients, and guide more accurate ingredient handling methods and ingredient cooking methods.

[0149] In one embodiment, when a user checks information about ingredients related to a recipe, sets the serving size, and then inputs a command to move on to the next step, the user interface device (120) may provide an interface (U13, U14) to guide the cooking steps of the recipe.

[0150] An interface (U13, U14) to guide the cooking steps of a recipe can be provided in the cooking order.

[0151] For example, if the cooking steps of a recipe consist of steps 1 and 2, the user interface device (120) may first provide an interface (U13) for describing cooking step 1, and then, when a command to move on to the next step is received, provide an interface (U14) for describing cooking step 2.

[0152] That is, the user interface device (120) can sequentially provide interfaces (U13, U14) to guide the cooking steps of the recipe in the cooking order.

[0153] At least one of the plurality of cooking steps may include a step of cooking the ingredients using a cooking appliance (1).

[0154] An interface (U14) for describing a step of cooking ingredients using a cooking appliance (1) may include an interface element (U14a) for receiving a cooking start command to start cooking the ingredients.

[0155] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance (1) may provide an interface (U15) for setting the properties of the corresponding ingredient in response to receiving a cooking start command.

[0156] The user interface device (120) can receive a setting command for setting the properties of a material included in a selected recipe through an interface (U15) for setting the properties of the material.

[0157] For example, material properties may include the thickness of the material, the degree of baking of the material, the heat level of the material, and / or the heating temperature of the material.

[0158] According to the present disclosure, the user can set the portion size (amount of ingredients) of ingredients, and further set the characteristics of the ingredients such as the degree of baking of the ingredients, the thickness of the ingredients, the heating strength of the ingredients, and / or the heating temperature of the ingredients, thereby changing the detailed settings of the recipe to complete the dish he or she wants.

[0159] When a cooking start command is received, the cooking appliance (1) can determine control parameters based on the selected recipe (1200). Furthermore, when a setting command for setting the characteristics of an ingredient is received, the cooking appliance (1) can determine control parameters based on the selected recipe and the characteristics of the set ingredient.

[0160] When a setting command for setting the characteristics of a material is received, the control unit (140) can determine a control parameter for controlling the heating element (200) based on the selected recipe and the characteristics of the set material. The control parameter may be included in the recipe information, and the control unit (140) can identify a control parameter corresponding to the selected recipe and the characteristics of the set material based on the recipe information.

[0161] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance (1) can determine a target cooking zone for cooking ingredients in a plurality of cooking zones in response to receiving a cooking start command through an interface element (U14a) for receiving a cooking start command (1300).

[0162] The control unit (140) can determine a target cooking zone for cooking ingredients in multiple cooking zones in various ways in response to receiving a cooking start command.

[0163] Fig. 10 illustrates an example of guide information provided by a user interface device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. Fig. 11 illustrates another example of guide information provided by a user interface device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 10, the cooking appliance (1) can provide guide information (P1) that guides the user to select a target cooking zone.

[0165] In response to receiving a cooking start command, the control unit (140) may provide guide information (P1) to guide selection of one cooking zone from among a plurality of cooking zones through the user interface device (120).

[0166] The guide information (P1) may include visual indications (K1) indicating multiple cooking zones.

[0167] The visual display (K1) is a shape representing the top surface of the cooking appliance (1) and may include shapes corresponding to multiple cooking zones.

[0168] According to the present disclosure, a visual display (K1) visually represents the top surface of a cooking appliance (1), thereby allowing a user to intuitively select a desired cooking zone.

[0169] The control unit (140) can determine the selected cooking zone as a target cooking zone in response to receiving a selection command for selecting one of a plurality of cooking zones through the user interface device (120).

[0170] For example, the control unit (140) may determine the selected cooking zone as the target cooking zone in response to receiving a user input selecting one of the cooking zones from a visual display (K1) indicating multiple cooking zones via the user interface device (120).

[0171] Referring to Fig. 11, the cooking appliance (1) can output guide information (P2) to guide the user to the target cooking zone.

[0172] In response to receiving a cooking start command, the control unit (140) can determine one of the multiple cooking zones as the target cooking zone, regardless of the user's intention. The control unit (140) can provide guide information (P2) that guides the user to the determined target cooking zone via the user interface device (120).

[0173] The guide information (P2) may include a visual indication (K2) that distinguishes the target cooking zone from the remaining cooking zones among the multiple cooking zones.

[0174] Indicating the target cooking zone as distinct from the remaining cooking zones may include making the color of the target cooking zone different from the color of the remaining cooking zones, giving the target cooking zone an identification number different from the identification numbers of the remaining cooking zones, etc., and may be realized in various ways regardless of the method.

[0175] In one embodiment, the guide information (P2) may include a request to place a cooking vessel in a target cooking zone among a plurality of cooking zones.

[0176] According to the present disclosure, a user can conveniently start cooking according to a recipe by placing a cooking container on an automatically determined target cooking zone.

[0177] The control unit (140) can determine one of the multiple cooking zones as the target cooking zone in various ways.

[0178] In one embodiment, the control unit (140) can determine a preset default cooking zone among a plurality of cooking zones as a target cooking zone.

[0179] The default cooking zone may be changed based on user settings or may be pre-designed during the manufacturing of the cooking appliance (1). For example, the default cooking zone may be the cooking zone at the bottom left, but is not limited thereto.

[0180] In one embodiment, the control unit (140) can determine the target cooking zone according to priority.

[0181] For example, each of the plurality of cooking zones may be classified as a first default cooking zone, a second default cooking zone, a third default cooking zone, and a fourth default cooking zone.

[0182] For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the first through fourth default cooking zones are sequentially prioritized.

[0183] The control unit (140) may determine the second default cooking zone as the target cooking zone based on whether other cooking is being performed in the first default cooking zone. The control unit (140) may determine the third default cooking zone as the target cooking zone based on whether other cooking is being performed in the second default cooking zone. The control unit (140) may determine the fourth default cooking zone as the target cooking zone based on whether other cooking is being performed in the third default cooking zone.

[0184] In one embodiment, cooking being performed in a cooking zone (100) may include a heating element (200) corresponding to the cooking zone (100) being in operation. In one embodiment, this may include a cooking vessel being detected in the cooking zone (100).

[0185] In one embodiment, the control unit (140) may determine a target cooking zone based on control parameters. In various embodiments, assuming that each of the plurality of cooking zones has a different size, the maximum heating intensity and maximum heating temperature in each cooking zone may be different from each other.

[0186] The control unit (140) can determine a cooking zone that can use the maximum heating intensity and maximum heating temperature included in the control parameters among multiple cooking zones as a target cooking zone.

[0187] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance (1) may provide a control interface that displays a target cooking zone among a plurality of cooking zones to distinguish it from the remaining cooking zones (1400).

[0188] The control interface may visually display multiple cooking zones, but may display a target cooking zone distinct from the remaining cooking zones.

[0189] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a control interface provided by a user interface device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 12, the control interface (U2) is for controlling multiple cooking zones (100) and can visually display multiple cooking zones (100).

[0191] For example, the control interface (U2) may include a visualized first cooking zone (Y1), a visualized second cooking zone (Y2), a visualized third cooking zone (Y3), and a visualized fourth cooking zone (Y4).

[0192] The visualized first cooking zone (Y1) may correspond to the first cooking zone (111) of the cooking appliance (1), the visualized second cooking zone (Y2) may correspond to the second cooking zone (112) of the cooking appliance (1), the visualized third cooking zone (Y3) may correspond to the third cooking zone (113) of the cooking appliance (1), and the visualized fourth cooking zone (Y4) may correspond to the fourth cooking zone (114) of the cooking appliance (1).

[0193] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the visualized first cooking zone (Y1), second cooking zone (Y2), third cooking zone (Y3), and fourth cooking zone (Y4) are defined as the first cooking zone, second cooking zone, third cooking zone, and fourth cooking zone included in the control interface (U2).

[0194] Additionally, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed below that the target cooking zone is the fourth cooking zone (114).

[0195] The control interface (U2) can mark the target cooking zone (Y4) to be distinct from the remaining cooking zones (Y1, Y2, Y3).

[0196] Marking the target cooking zone (Y4) as distinct from the remaining cooking zones (Y1, Y2, Y3) may include indicating the color of the target cooking zone (Y4) as different from the colors of the remaining cooking zones (Y1, Y2, Y3).

[0197] Marking the target cooking zone (Y4) as distinct from the remaining cooking zones (Y1, Y2, Y3) may include displaying visual indications (e.g., animations, shapes, letters, etc.) displayed in the target cooking zone (Y4) differently from the visual indications displayed in the remaining cooking zones (Y1, Y2, Y3).

[0198] Marking the target cooking zone (Y4) as distinct from the remaining cooking zones (Y1, Y2, Y3) may include displaying a timer (t1) of a cooking time corresponding to a control parameter in the target cooking zone (Y4).

[0199] Marking the target cooking zone (Y4) as distinct from the remaining cooking zones (Y1, Y2, Y3) may include displaying the name of the selected recipe (r1) in the target cooking zone (Y4).

[0200] The name of the selected recipe (r1) may include the names of the ingredients included in the selected recipe.

[0201] According to the present disclosure, a user can intuitively check which recipe is in progress in which cooking zone, which ingredient is being cooked, which recipe is scheduled to be in progress, or which ingredient is scheduled to be cooked by checking the control interface (U2).

[0202] In one embodiment, the control interface (U2) may display cooking zones that are in operation independently of the recipe, in addition to the target cooking zone, differently from cooking zones that are not in operation.

[0203] For example, the control interface (U2) can display the corresponding control parameters (e.g. heating intensity and / or timer) for the cooking zone in operation.

[0204] The user can control each cooking zone (111, 112, 113, 114) by selecting the cooking zone (Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4) included in the control interface (U2).

[0205] For example, the user interface device (120) may provide an interface for setting the heating intensity or timer of a selected cooking zone (111, 112, 113) when an inactive cooking zone (Y1, Y2, Y3) is selected.

[0206] As another example, the user interface device (120) may provide an interface for changing control parameters (e.g., heating intensity and / or timer) of a selected cooking zone or for stopping operation when an operating cooking zone is selected.

[0207] In one embodiment, a user may input a command (e.g., a drag input) to apply a control parameter being applied to one cooking zone to another cooking zone included in the control interface (U2).

[0208] In one embodiment, a user may input a command (e.g., a drag input) to change the target cooking zone (114).

[0209] For example, a user can change the target cooking zone by dragging the target cooking zone (Y4) to the desired cooking zone (Y3) using a touch drag input.

[0210] When the target cooking zone is changed, the control interface (U2) can indicate that the changed target cooking zone (Y3) is distinct from the remaining cooking zones (Y1, Y2, Y4).

[0211] Likewise, distinguishing the modified target cooking zone (Y3) from the remaining cooking zones may include distinguishing the visual indications included in the modified target cooking zone (Y3) from the visual indications included in the remaining cooking zones (Y1, Y2, Y4).

[0212] In one embodiment, the cooking appliance (1) can control the target heating element (204) based on control parameters corresponding to a recipe (1500).

[0213] The control unit (140) can control the target heating element (204) based on control parameters determined according to the recipe (and / or the characteristics of the material).

[0214] When the target cooking zone is changed, the control unit (140) can control the changed target heating element (203) corresponding to the changed target cooking zone (113) based on the control parameters determined according to the recipe (and / or the characteristics of the material).

[0215] Here, the control parameters may include heating intensity according to heating time.

[0216] Here, the target heating element (200) is a heating element corresponding to the target cooking zone (100). If the first cooking zone (111) is determined as the target cooking zone, the first heating element (201) may be determined as the target heating element. If the second cooking zone (112) is determined as the target cooking zone, the second heating element (202) may be determined as the target heating element. If the third cooking zone (113) is determined as the target cooking zone, the third heating element (203) may be determined as the target heating element. If the fourth cooking zone (114) is determined as the target cooking zone, the fourth heating element (204) may be determined as the target heating element.

[0217] According to the present disclosure, a user can intuitively determine which recipe is in progress in which cooking zone by checking the control interface (U2).

[0218] In one embodiment, a timer (t1) for a cooking time displayed on a target cooking zone (Y4) included in a control interface (U2) may include a cooking time corresponding to a control parameter. The cooking time corresponding to the control parameter may include a total heating time.

[0219] Since the target heating element (200) does not operate until a cooking vessel is detected in the target cooking zone (114), if the cooking time timer (t1) is started before the cooking vessel is placed in the target cooking zone (114), cooking according to the recipe cannot be performed and may cause confusion to the user.

[0220] In one embodiment, the control unit (140) may start a cooking time timer (t1) in response to detecting a cooking vessel in the target cooking zone (114).

[0221] Starting the cooking time timer (t1) may include causing the cooking time timer (t1) to begin counting time.

[0222] The cooking time timer (t1) can indicate the remaining cooking time.

[0223] Users can intuitively check the remaining cooking time by checking the cooking time timer (t1).

[0224] In one embodiment, the control unit (140) may advance the cooking time timer (t1) when a cooking vessel is detected in the target cooking zone (114), but may stop the cooking time timer (t1) in response to a cooking vessel not being detected.

[0225] When the cooking time timer (t1) is stopped, the remaining time displayed on the cooking time timer (t1) may stop.

[0226] The user can confirm that the cooking time timer (t1) has stopped and place the cooking container back into the target cooking zone (114).

[0227] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a status interface provided by a user interface device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0228] Referring to FIG. 13, the cooking appliance (1) can provide a status interface (U21) related to the cooking progress of the target cooking zone in response to receiving a selection command for selecting the target cooking zone (Y4) included in the control interface (U2).

[0229] The control unit (140) may provide a status interface (U21) related to the cooking progress of the target cooking zone (114) through the user interface device (120) in response to receiving a selection command for selecting a target cooking zone included in the control interface (U2) through the user interface device (120).

[0230] At this time, the selection command for selecting the target cooking zone (Y4) may be a touch input for the target cooking zone (Y4), but the input method is not limited thereto.

[0231] A status interface (U21) related to the cooking progress of the target cooking zone (114) may include information about the name of the recipe in progress in the target cooking zone (114), the remaining cooking time in the target cooking zone (114), and / or the characteristics of the ingredients being cooked in the target cooking zone (114) (e.g., degree of doneness).

[0232] The status interface (U21) related to the cooking progress of the target cooking zone (114) may include an interface element for controlling the target cooking zone (114). For example, the status interface (U21) related to the cooking progress of the target cooking zone (114) may include an interface element (U21a) for stopping cooking, an interface element (U21b) for changing recipe settings, an interface element (U21c) for changing the target cooking zone (114), and / or an interface element (U21d) for closing the status interface (U21).

[0233] The control unit (140) can stop the operation of the target heating element (204) in response to the selection of the interface element (U21a) to stop cooking.

[0234] The control unit (140) may, in response to the selection of the interface element (U21b) for changing the settings of a recipe, provide again the interface (U15) for setting the properties of the material via the user interface device (120). Meanwhile, the control unit (140) may, in response to the selection of the interface element (U21b) for changing the settings of a recipe, provide an interface (U12) for describing the material included in the selected recipe.

[0235] The user can change the number of servings and / or the properties of ingredients of a dish by selecting an interface element (U21b) to change the settings of the recipe.

[0236] The control unit (140) can redetermine the control parameters based on changes in the number of servings and / or the characteristics of the ingredients, and control the target heating element (204) based on the redetermined control parameters.

[0237] In response to the selection of the interface element (U21c) for changing the target cooking zone (114), the control unit (140) can again provide guide information (P1) to guide the user to select the target cooking zone through the user interface device (120).

[0238] The control unit (140) can close the state interface (U21) and provide the control interface (U2) in response to the selection of the interface element (U21d) for closing the state interface (U21).

[0239] According to the present disclosure, a user can recognize a cooking situation in a target cooking zone or change settings in a target cooking zone by selecting the target cooking zone in a control interface (U2).

[0240] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of guide information guiding user actions provided by a user interface device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment. FIG. 15 illustrates another example of guide information guiding user actions provided by a user interface device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0241] In various embodiments, a recipe may include predetermined user actions required at predetermined points during cooking.

[0242] A user action may include any user action that the cooking appliance (1) cannot directly perform. For example, a user action may include inserting a temperature probe into the food being cooked and / or turning the food being cooked.

[0243] Depending on the type of recipe, the control parameters may not only include heating time and heating intensity, but may also include a control algorithm based on the temperature of the material.

[0244] For example, the control parameters may include heating intensity based on the core temperature of the material.

[0245] If a recipe requires the core temperature of an ingredient to be cooked, the recipe may include a user action to insert a temperature probe into the ingredient being cooked at a predetermined point.

[0246] If a recipe requires flipping of ingredients, the recipe may include a user action to flip the ingredients during cooking at a given point.

[0247] If the selected recipe includes a predetermined user action required at a predetermined point during cooking, the control unit (140) may provide guide information guiding the predetermined user action through the user interface device (120) in response to the cooking time of the target cooking zone (114) reaching the predetermined point.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 14, if the selected recipe includes a predetermined user action (e.g., insertion of a temperature probe) required at a predetermined point during cooking, the control unit (140) may provide guide information (P3) guiding temperature probe insertion through the user interface device (120) in response to the cooking time of the target cooking zone reaching the predetermined point.

[0249] Referring to FIG. 15, if the selected recipe includes a predetermined user action (e.g., turning over an ingredient) required at a predetermined point during cooking, the control unit (140) may provide guide information (P4) guiding the turning of an ingredient through the user interface device (120) in response to the cooking time of the target cooking zone reaching the predetermined point.

[0250] Meanwhile, the user may not be able to check the display of the user interface device (120) because he or she is engrossed in other tasks.

[0251] In one embodiment, providing guide information to guide a given user action via the user interface device (120) may include providing an auditory notification.

[0252] According to the present disclosure, a user can recognize that a special event has occurred according to a recipe and proceed with cooking according to the recipe.

[0253] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a cooking completion notification provided by a user interface device of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0254] Referring to FIG. 16, the cooking appliance can notify that cooking of the target cooking zone (114) is complete in response to the completion of cooking of the target cooking zone (114).

[0255] For example, the control unit (140) may notify the user interface device (120) that cooking of the target cooking zone (114) is complete in response to the completion of cooking of the target cooking zone (114).

[0256] Notifying that cooking of the target cooking zone (114) is complete through the user interface device (120) may include outputting an audible notification notifying that cooking of the target cooking zone (114) is complete.

[0257] Notifying that cooking of the target cooking zone (114) is complete through the user interface device (120) may include outputting visual information (P5) that cooking of the target cooking zone (114) is complete.

[0258] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a control interface provided by a user interface device when a warming process is in progress in a target cooking zone of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0259] Depending on the various embodiments, the recipe may also include a post-cooking food storage process. For example, the recipe may include a post-cooking warming process.

[0260] If the recipe is for a dish where temperature preservation is important (e.g. stew), the user needs to keep the dish warm before eating it.

[0261] Referring to FIG. 17, the cooking appliance (1) can perform a warming process in the target cooking zone (114) when the selected recipe includes a warming process after cooking is completed.

[0262] Performing the warming process may include maintaining the temperature of the target cooking zone (114) at a preset temperature.

[0263] If the selected recipe includes a warming process after cooking is completed, the control unit (140) can control the target heating element (204) to perform the warming operation.

[0264] If the selected recipe includes a warming process after cooking is complete, the control unit (140) can indicate that the warming process is in progress in the target cooking zone (Y4) included in the control interface (U2).

[0265] For example, the user interface device (120) may display a visual indication (t2) indicating that a warming process is in progress in a target cooking zone (Y4) included in the control interface (U2).

[0266] According to the present disclosure, even if cooking according to a recipe is completed, the food can be automatically kept warm by the user simply checking the visual indication (t2) and leaving the cooking container in the target cooking zone (114).

[0267] In one embodiment, the control unit (140) may terminate the warming process in response to a cooking vessel not being detected in the target cooking zone (114) while the warming process is being performed in the target cooking zone.

[0268] The user's intention to remove the cooking container from the target cooking zone can be strongly assumed to be to eat food. Accordingly, if the cooking container is removed from the target cooking zone (114) during the warming process, the cooking appliance (1) can terminate the warming process.

[0269] In one embodiment, the control unit (140) may terminate the warming process and no longer recognize the target cooking zone as a target cooking zone in response to a cooking vessel not being detected in the target cooking zone (114) while the warming process is being performed in the target cooking zone (114).

[0270] In one embodiment, if the recipe does not include a keep warm process after cooking is complete, the control unit (140) may de-designate the target cooking zone in response to the target cooking zone being completed.

[0271] In one embodiment, if the recipe includes a warming process after cooking is complete, the control unit (140) may de-designate the target cooking zone in response to completion of the warming process of the target cooking zone.

[0272] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a control interface provided by a user interface device when a cooking operation of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment is completed.

[0273] Referring to FIG. 18, the cooking appliance (1) can provide a control interface (U2) that displays multiple cooking zones indistinguishably from each other.

[0274] This control interface (U2) may be identical to that provided when a control interface (U2) element for executing a control interface (U2) for controlling multiple cooking zones is selected on the initial screen.

[0275] In one embodiment, the control unit (140) may provide a control interface (U2) that displays a plurality of cooking zones indistinguishably from each other via the user interface device (120) in response to the designation of a target cooking zone being de-designated.

[0276] In one embodiment, a control interface (U2) provided via a user interface device (120) can indicate the status of each of the plurality of cooking zones.

[0277] For example, if a cooking vessel is detected in one of the multiple cooking zones, the control interface (U2) may display a visual indication indicating that a vessel has been detected in that cooking zone.

[0278] As another example, if cooking is in progress in one of the multiple cooking zones, the control interface (U2) may display a visual indication indicating that cooking is in progress in that cooking zone.

[0279] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a control interface provided by a user interface device when cooking is in progress in multiple cooking zones of a cooking appliance according to one embodiment.

[0280] Referring to FIG. 19, a control interface (U2) according to one embodiment can use at least two cooking zones for one recipe.

[0281] That is, there may be multiple target cooking zones.

[0282] If a second ingredient (e.g., onion) needs to be cooked while a first ingredient (e.g., beef) is being cooked according to a recipe, an interface (e.g., U14 of FIG. 9) may be provided again to guide the cooking steps of the recipe via the user interface device (120).

[0283] An interface for guiding the cooking steps of a recipe may include an interface element (e.g., U14b of FIG. 9) for receiving a cooking start command to begin cooking a second ingredient.

[0284] By going through the same processes (1200, 1300, 1400, 1500) as those described in Fig. 4, the cooking appliance (1) can control the target cooking zone (113) corresponding to the second ingredient.

[0285] In the control interface (U2), a first target cooking zone (Y4) for cooking the first ingredient may display a timer for a cooking time corresponding to a control parameter for cooking the first ingredient and / or a visual display (t4) indicating the name of the first ingredient.

[0286] In the control interface (U2), a second target cooking zone (Y3) for cooking the second material may display a timer for a cooking time corresponding to a control parameter for cooking the second material and / or a visual display (t3) indicating the name of the second material.

[0287] According to the present disclosure, multiple ingredients included in one recipe can be easily cooked at once using a cooking device (1).

[0288] A cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a cooking appliance (1) including a plurality of cooking zones and a plurality of heating elements (200) corresponding to the plurality of cooking zones (100), comprising: a user interface device (120); a memory (142) storing at least one command; At least one processor (141) connected to the user interface device (120) and the memory (142); wherein the at least one processor (141) executes the at least one command to provide a recipe search interface through the user interface device (120), receive a recipe selection command for selecting a recipe included in the recipe search interface through the user interface device (120), and determine a target cooking zone for cooking the ingredient among the plurality of cooking zones in response to receiving a cooking start command for starting cooking the ingredient included in the selected recipe through the user interface device (120), provide a control interface (U2) for visually displaying the plurality of cooking zones through the user interface device (120) while displaying the target cooking zone so as to be distinguished from the remaining cooking zones, and control a target heating element corresponding to the target cooking zone among the plurality of heating elements based on a control parameter for cooking the ingredient according to the recipe.

[0289] The at least one processor (141) may receive a setting command for setting the characteristics of the material included in the selected recipe through the user interface device (120) by executing the at least one command, and determine the control parameter based on the selected recipe and the characteristics of the set material.

[0290] The at least one processor (141) may, in response to receiving a cooking zone selection command for selecting one of the plurality of cooking zones through the user interface device (120) by executing the at least one command, determine the selected cooking zone as the target cooking zone.

[0291] The at least one processor (141) may, in response to receiving a cooking start command to start cooking ingredients included in the selected recipe by executing the at least one command, provide guide information to guide selection of one of the plurality of cooking zones through the user interface device (120).

[0292] The at least one processor (141) can determine a preset default cooking zone among the plurality of cooking zones as the target cooking zone by executing the at least one command.

[0293] The at least one processor (141) can, in response to receiving a change command for changing the target cooking zone through the control interface (U2), control a changed target heating element corresponding to the changed target cooking zone among the plurality of heating elements based on the control parameter by executing the at least one command.

[0294] The at least one processor (141) can display a timer of a cooking time corresponding to the control parameter in the target cooking zone included in the control interface (U2) by executing the at least one command.

[0295] The at least one processor (141) may start a timer for the cooking time in response to detection of a cooking vessel in the target cooking zone by executing the at least one command.

[0296] The at least one processor (141) may stop the timer of the cooking time in response to the cooking vessel not being detected in the target cooking zone by executing the at least one command.

[0297] The at least one processor (141) can display the name of the selected recipe in the target cooking zone included in the control interface (U2) by executing the at least one command.

[0298] The at least one processor (141) may, by executing the at least one command, provide a status interface related to the cooking progress of the target cooking zone through the user interface device (120) in response to receiving a selection command for selecting the target cooking zone included in the control interface (U2) through the user interface device (120).

[0299] If the selected recipe includes a predetermined user action required at a predetermined point in time during cooking, the at least one processor (141) may, by executing the at least one command, provide guide information guiding the predetermined user action through the user interface device (120) in response to the cooking time of the target cooking zone reaching the predetermined point in time.

[0300] The at least one processor (141) may, by executing the at least one command, notify the completion of cooking of the target cooking zone through the user interface device (120) in response to the completion of cooking of the target cooking zone, and, based on the selected recipe including a warming process after cooking, display that the warming process is in progress in the target cooking zone included in the control interface (U2), and control the target heating element to perform the warming process.

[0301] The at least one processor (141) may terminate the warming process in response to a cooking vessel not being detected in the target cooking zone while the warming process is being performed in the target cooking zone by executing the at least one command.

[0302] A control method of a cooking appliance (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: providing a recipe search interface; receiving a recipe selection command for selecting a recipe included in the recipe search interface; determining a target cooking zone for cooking an ingredient among the plurality of cooking zones in response to receiving a cooking start command for starting cooking an ingredient included in the selected recipe; providing a control interface (U2) for visually displaying the plurality of cooking zones, but displaying the target cooking zone so as to be distinguished from the remaining cooking zones; and controlling a target heating element corresponding to the target cooking zone among the plurality of heating elements based on a control parameter for cooking the ingredient according to the recipe.

[0303] The control method of the above cooking appliance (1) may further include receiving a setting command for setting the characteristics of ingredients included in the selected recipe; and determining the control parameters based on the selected recipe and the characteristics of the set ingredients.

[0304] Determining the target cooking zone may include, in response to receiving a cooking zone selection command for selecting one of the plurality of cooking zones, determining the selected cooking zone as the target cooking zone.

[0305] Determining the target cooking zone may include determining a preset default cooking zone among the plurality of cooking zones as the target cooking zone.

[0306] In response to receiving a change command for changing the target cooking zone, the method may further include controlling a changed target heating element corresponding to the changed target cooking zone among the plurality of heating elements based on the control parameter.

[0307] The control method of the above cooking appliance (1) may further include displaying a timer of a cooking time corresponding to the control parameter in the target cooking zone included in the control interface (U2); and starting the timer of the cooking time in response to a cooking vessel being detected in the target cooking zone.

[0308] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0309] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0310] Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0311] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0312] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A cooking appliance comprising a plurality of cooking zones and a plurality of heating elements corresponding to the plurality of cooking zones, user interface device; Memory that stores at least one instruction; At least one processor connected to the user interface device and the memory; The at least one processor, by executing the at least one instruction, Providing a recipe navigation interface via the above user interface device, Receiving a recipe selection command for selecting a recipe included in the recipe search interface via the user interface device; In response to receiving a cooking start command to start cooking ingredients included in the selected recipe through the user interface device, determining a target cooking zone for cooking the ingredients among the plurality of cooking zones; Providing a control interface that visually displays the plurality of cooking zones via the user interface device, while displaying the target cooking zone so as to be distinguished from the remaining cooking zones; A cooking appliance that controls a target heating element corresponding to the target cooking zone among the plurality of heating elements based on a control parameter for cooking the ingredients according to the above recipe.

2. In paragraph 1, The at least one processor, by executing the at least one instruction, Receive a setting command for setting the properties of the ingredients included in the selected recipe through the user interface device; A cooking appliance that determines the control parameters based on the selected recipe and the characteristics of the set ingredients.

3. In paragraph 1, The at least one processor, by executing the at least one instruction, A cooking appliance that determines the selected cooking zone as the target cooking zone in response to receiving a cooking zone selection command for selecting one of the plurality of cooking zones through the user interface device.

4. In paragraph 3, The at least one processor, by executing the at least one instruction, A cooking appliance that provides guide information for guiding selection of one of the plurality of cooking zones through the user interface device in response to receiving a cooking start command to start cooking ingredients included in the selected recipe.

5. In paragraph 1, The at least one processor, by executing the at least one instruction, A cooking appliance that determines a preset default cooking zone among the above-mentioned multiple cooking zones as the target cooking zone.

6. In paragraph 1, The at least one processor, by executing the at least one instruction, A cooking appliance that, in response to receiving a change command to change the target cooking zone through the control interface, controls a changed target heating element corresponding to the changed target cooking zone among the plurality of heating elements based on the control parameter.

7. In paragraph 1, The at least one processor, by executing the at least one instruction, A cooking appliance that displays a timer for a cooking time corresponding to the control parameter in the target cooking zone included in the control interface.

8. In paragraph 7, The at least one processor, by executing the at least one instruction, A cooking appliance that starts a timer for said cooking time in response to detecting a cooking vessel in said target cooking zone.

9. In paragraph 8, The at least one processor, by executing the at least one instruction, A cooking appliance that stops the timer for the cooking time in response to the cooking container not being detected in the target cooking zone.

10. In paragraph 1, The at least one processor, by executing the at least one instruction, A cooking appliance that displays the name of the selected recipe in the target cooking zone included in the above control interface.

11. In paragraph 1, The at least one processor, by executing the at least one instruction, A cooking appliance that provides a status interface related to the cooking progress of the target cooking zone through the user interface device in response to receiving a selection command for selecting the target cooking zone included in the control interface through the user interface device.

12. In paragraph 1, If the selected recipe includes a predetermined user action required at a predetermined point in time during cooking, the at least one processor executes the at least one command, A cooking appliance that provides guide information for guiding a predetermined user action through the user interface device in response to the cooking time of the target cooking zone reaching the predetermined point in time.

13. In paragraph 1, The at least one processor, by executing the at least one instruction, In response to the completion of cooking in the target cooking zone, the user interface device notifies that cooking in the target cooking zone is completed, A cooking appliance that indicates that the warming process is in progress in the target cooking zone included in the control interface based on the selected recipe including a warming process after cooking is completed, and controls the target heating element to perform the warming process.

14. In paragraph 13, The at least one processor, by executing the at least one instruction, A cooking appliance that terminates the keeping warm process in response to a cooking container not being detected in the target cooking zone while the keeping warm process is being performed in the target cooking zone.

15. A method for controlling a cooking appliance including a plurality of cooking zones and a plurality of heating elements corresponding to the plurality of cooking zones, Provides a recipe exploration interface; Receive a recipe selection command for selecting a recipe included in the above recipe search interface; In response to receiving a cooking start command to start cooking ingredients included in the selected recipe, determining a target cooking zone for cooking the ingredients among the plurality of cooking zones; Providing a control interface that visually displays the plurality of cooking zones, but distinguishes the target cooking zone from the remaining cooking zones; A control method for a cooking appliance, comprising: controlling a target heating element corresponding to the target cooking zone among the plurality of heating elements based on a control parameter for cooking the ingredients according to the recipe.

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